JetBlue Airways is set to expand its services by starting flights out of Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma in October. The airline will offer nonstop service to three Florida destinations, making it the fourth airline to operate out of the Islip Town-owned airport alongside Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways.
Starting late October, JetBlue will provide daily service between Islip and Orlando, as well as four round-trip flights weekly between the Long Island airport and Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach. Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter expressed excitement over the increased air service at ISP, stating that JetBlue was a frequently requested addition by airport customers.
The addition of JetBlue comes as part of a series of upgrades at Long Island MacArthur Airport, totaling over $100 million in planning and capital projects since 2016. These enhancements include a ground transportation center, walkway, and a fire rescue building. The proposed $2.8 billion Midway Crossing project aims to construct a walkway linking a new MacArthur air terminal to Ronkonkoma’s Long Island Rail Road Station, along with new construction for a convention center, hotel, and health sciences facilities.
While an environmental review for the Midway Crossing project has been delayed due to infrastructure funding, the announcement of JetBlue’s services coincided with a nearly 23% increase in domestic seats from air carriers operating out of MacArthur in April this year compared to the previous year, surpassing other commercial airports in New York and New England. Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken highlighted JetBlue’s longstanding presence as a New York hometown airline and the community’s anticipation of increased passenger traffic with the airline’s operations.
Florida remains a popular destination for New Yorkers, making JetBlue’s new services a significant addition for Long Island MacArthur Airport and its passengers.
